Pond Boss Forums POND CONSTRUCTION Creating habitat Rip Rap Ledge?

I am wanting to rip rap a bank of my pond before it fills up totally. I was told it is necessary to cut a ledge in the bank for the rock to sit in. Is this a must or can I rip rap on a 3/1 slope without this? I think I can as long as the rocks are placed properly but I need some opinions and advice from others before I order the rock. Thanks.

You can rip-rap a 3:1 slope. Find someone nearby who has done it. And use the right size rock. It won't slough, once in place.

Do I need a ledge cut into it fot the rock to sit or can I just set the rock on the slope?

Small rock 2" to 4", medium 6"-12" or large 18" to 30"? Natural rock or pieces of concrete? A ledge 6" to 12" will work best esp for "largeish", round natural stones, but will also work to hold most all types of stone with fewest problems esp long term with sliding and shifting. Ice cover can also have some impact here with rock movement. I haved done it both ways in two different ponds. Also size of rock and how much rock/weight is piled on top of rock can make a difference. The ledge is beneficial if you want to add more rock after the pond is full. You can slide or move it into place with less of it rolling or sliding to the bottom if a ledge is present to help hold it. Ledge is also good for wading around the edge of the pond or planting plants such a lilies.
Without a ledge will work just not as good and easy.

Brent, I will be adding approx 300' linear length of rock riprap with various size rocks in the spring along part of the east side of my lake to help reduce wind/wave erosion. It was recommended to me; 1. use a depressed top "end" area and a flattened "toe" area to hold the riprap in place on a slope greater than 3 to 1 ratio keeping in mind your high water and low water level during the year
2. Or if the slope is 3 to 1 ratio or less you can use a filter material under the rock (fabric, gravel, crushed stone, or small rock)to relieve hydrostatic pressures inside the embankment to help distribute the weight of the riprap throughout the area, to prevent settling and to prevent fine materials in the embankment from being pulled through the riprap by the wave action.... I hope this hasn't confused your project. Many variables to consider........best of luck!!!!

Rowly